Removal of 2-propanol from water by pervaporation using poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane filled with carbon black

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes filled with carbon black were prepared. • The membranes were applied for the removal of 2-propanol from aqueous solution. • Addition of CB filler resulted in formation of the membranes with denser structure. • The filled membranes had higher crystallinity, separation factor, contact angle, and PSI. - Abstract: In the present study, several filled poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes by the addition of various weight fractions from carbon black (CB) to the casting solution were prepared for the removal of 2-propanol from aqueous solution in pervaporation process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), contact angle and swelling degree measurements were used to study morphology and properties of the prepared membranes. Separation experiments were carried out at a feed temperature of 45 °C and a permeate pressure of 18 mmHg. The results demonstrated that the addition of carbon black filler resulted in formation of the membranes with denser structure; lower permeation flux and degree of swelling; and higher crystallinity, separation factor, contact angle, and pervaporation separation index.